the body

I had some curious thoughts earlier this week. They have a lot to do with observations I've made internally and externally. I guess these are some of them.

There are people who have Jesus in their lives, and there are those whose lives are all about Jesus.
There are those who go to church, then there are those who are the church. These people are also in our churches. This could be saddening, but it could also be an awakening. Certainly there are measures of an individual's growth and willingness for learning, but there also has to be a gracious extension to be willing to teach. This also means that you and I have to be ready. Actively "living it". Well prepared and versed in doctrine and theology; not necessarily subscribed to the faculty of diving deep into a particular subject, but to know truth and wield it shrewdly.  This verse comes to mind:

1 Timothy 4:7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

I can also see that meaningless things can take up room in conversation, and become a vice that causes doublespeak and circular talk.  That's annoying.

Another thought I had is that I don't want to be known what I'm against. Known for opposition, writhe and stirring up dissension among the body. My prayer is that in my studies, and dear brothers who are studying scripture and theology as well, that we don't favor a particular theologian, or pastor, or topic over that of the Bible, what it teaches and the doctrines originated in it. This grows a vein of pride and condescension. I want at all costs for this to be avoided. I don't want to see neo-pharisees in this uprising of the desire to know scripture. Ultimately it's with the purpose to know God, know his character and bring him glory.

Thirdly I learned with God's sovereignty, that I do not have any reason to freak out! Illogical assumptions, frightening prospects for the future, apathetic approaches to important areas of my life have no room if I'm to fully, firmly trust God.

Also, I drink a lot of coffee, but I love Starbucks more than beans and brews. I told my boss. I got a sneer, but I believe she still loves me a whole lot. My days start at 4:30 AM for work, then school/homework in the afternoons and then I have accountability, study group, practices, house church/small group, meeting with dudes. I don't know how it happens, but God is sustaining me. My life is full and satisfying, and I can't wait to see what God does next!

"You can't call yourself a Calvinist and keep freaking out over these things...it's kinda funny!"
-Josh Whitney